Lincoln to commemorate 250th founding with big bash

LINCOLN — The town will throw itself a big birthday party this summer, complete with a parade, fireworks, historic recipes and even an “anniversary ale” to celebrate its founding 250 years ago.

On Jan. 31, 1764, the Lincoln charter was signed following the grant, by Benning Wentworth, then royal governor of the Province of New Hampshire, of more than 20,000 acres to James Avery of Norwich, Conn., and others.

According to a history of the town in the 2013 Annual Report, Lincoln is named after Henry Fiennes Pelham-Clinton, who was a Wentworth cousin, as well as the second duke of Newcastle and ninth earl of Lincoln.

The town’s semiquincentennial kicked off last August with the installation of “250th” banners along municipal roads, and it will ramp up into high gear with a variety of events starting July 26 and lasting through Aug. 3.

Tara Tower, who co-chairs Lincoln’s 250th Committee with Carol Riley, said on Monday the observances will include a cookbook featuring recipes with a story, such as that for “lumberjack cake” that tie into the town’s past; a commemorative quilt; and a calendar showing images of how the town has changed, or stayed the same.

The town’s festivities, she added, are intended to coincide with “a big anniversary” of the Lin-Wood High Alumni Association, which from Aug. 1-Aug. 3 will host a golf tournament; a lobster bake; a block party; and a pancake breakfast.

Tower said although they’re going fast, there are still some event-sponsorship opportunities available.

Tower said “truly, at this point the community has stepped up in a big way.”

A listing of events and information about Lincoln’s birthday bash can be found at www.lincoln250.org.

Events scheduled so far are: on July 26, opening ceremonies, golf tournament and professional lumberjack exhibitions, the last of which continues on July 27, a day that will also include a hike up Indian Head and fireworks. On July 28, there’ll be geo-caching at Lincoln landmarks and the Community Players will perform “The Drama” about Lincoln’s history. On July 29, there will be Music on the Common and on July 30, a community outdoor movie night followed by a celebration banquet on July 31.

A community block party is planned for Aug. 1; a 5K run/walk for Aug. 2; and a parade down Main Street, as well as closing ceremonies, will be held Aug. 3.

Anniversary attendees of a certain age can enjoy a “Lincoln Anniversary Ale,” which Tower noted is being made by Woodstock Inn Station & Brewery, and motorists can show their town spirit by purchasing the 250th Anniversary Commemorative License Plate for $15 at Town Hall. Proceeds from the sales will go into the town’s general fund.